Mangalore moral policing case: 8 accused arrested

Mangalore: Eight people have been arrested in the attack on a group of youngsters partying at a private resort in Mangalore. The members, reportedly owing allegiance to a pro-Hiindu group, called 'Hindu Jagran Vedike' allegedly beat up and harassed young women and men at a resort on Saturday evening. Reportedly, more than 50 men attacked the private party.

However, Karnataka ADGP Law and Order Bipin Gopalakrishna said that no drugs were found at the resort. He further said that it was local students who were having birthday party and there was no rave party.

The video aired by a local channel showed the men barging into the rooms of the home-stay at Padieelu, about five km from Mangalore, alleging that a rave party was being held there and pushing around and slapping the women.

Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Sunday said that the government has acted against the culprits and in future, too, legal action will be taken. "We have arrested 8 people. Criminal action has been taken against culprits," said Shetter.

Several women groups protested against the vicious attack and demanded strict action against all the accused. Women Rights Activist Ranjana Kumari called it a shocking incident. "All the culprits must be punished. The police must ensure saftey for women," said Ranajana.

Twenty persons were taken into custody on Saturday in connection with the incident which sparked off protests by various groups both in support of and against the outfit, forcing police to use mild lathicharge to disperse the agitators.

This is the second incident of moral policing in Mangalore after the January 24, 2009 attack on a pub by right wing organisation Srirama Sene.

The incident caused embarrassment to the BJP government as opposition party leaders targeted it for its 'failure' to check pro-Hindu activists and their moral policing.